Cártama's reputation is likely to stem from the wealth of articles you can find online written about its history. Finding anything else out about the town could prove tricky, for it is history that dominates Cártama, even today. Its geographic location some 17km north of Málagahelps - Cártama was settled and built upon because it sits at the head of the Guadalhorce River, a navigable spot on a ridge, affording excellent views either side of the valley. In short: the perfect place to defend against attack.

And defend it did. From Phoenicians to Romans, to Moors and Visigoths, Cártama has played its part in shaping Andalucía's history, producing marble and other raw materials for incumbent armies and merchants, and carefully looking out for its neighbours in Málaga, allowing that city to grow into the renowned conurbation it is today. Yep, Cártama has its history, but does it have a future?

As a place to visit, Cártama is endlessly fascinating. Every street and building, it seems, has a story to tell, right up until 1956 when famous poet José González Marín died there. It's also a place renowned for its fierce passion for the feria, holding many a carnival in February, its main shindig in April (where the town honours its patron saint, La Virgen de los Remedios), another saint's day in May, two more festivals in June, a cattle fair in September and the Día de los Canastitos for harvest.

That's a lot of partying. It's also a cycle that regularly reaffirms identity, making Cártama immune to much of the western world's influence. Sure, there are all modern conveniences in town, you'll have no problem with your mobile signal and the youngsters will love a pimped-out Seat Ibiza just as much as their Spanish neighbours and friends, but Cártama's rich history does make it a unique place to live. A visit or two is wonderful; a longer stay equally so, provided you come to love Cártama for what it is.

If it's a rare week when there's no festival or gathering of some sort (and it really is rare) then the pretty streets and plazas of Cártama are a joy to get lost in. Taking a wander around this relatively large town (the population when taking Cártama Estación and Cártama Pueblo the other side of the river into account is over 17,000), can take several hours, and there are a number of interesting sites.

The Hermitage that is La Ermita de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is located on a hill and aside from the lovely views across the valley is something of a head-turner itself, while other attractions of note include the Humilladero Cross - a 2nd century Roman remnant - and the castle, which dates from the 10th century and is bathed in rich history. The views from here are even richer - on a clear day you can see across to the pueblo of Álora. Beyond the town's boundaries lie vast expanses of forests and olive groves, the Guadalhorce River itself and the city of Málaga, which is just a short drive away.

The nightlife in Cártama is more varied than many other inland settlements purely because of the town's size. There are your typical discotheques and late night music bars, so if this is your thing or you have teenagers, they'll be pleased about that fact... just resist the urge to drink and drive and you can have many a safe, fun-filled night.

A slower pace can be enjoyed in the pueblo, where the fragrant mountain air mixes with the delicate aromas of the local produce served up in the restaurants to create a captivating atmosphere. Starlit skies, warm breezes, gentle music, freshly cooked Andalusian dishes, inexpensive local wines and beers, beautiful courtyards and good company are all yours; in abundance and at ease, every night of the week. What's not to love about that?

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